EL UNIVERSAL (Mexico), BBC (UK)
MICHOACAN – Twenty gang members and two federal police officers were killed in late- night clashes between the police and the Knights Templar drug cartel in this southeastern Mexican state, El Universal reports Friday.
Police say 15 of its officers were injured when members of the drug cartel ambushed them after blocking off the highway Siglo XXI in an organized assault. BBC reports that the attacks took place the day after the Knights Templar cartel killed five people protesting the gang’s violent and extortionary tactics.
The violence rate continues to rise in Michoacan and nationwide after the Mexican government stepped up a crackdown on drug cartels.
Authorities announced that they had reinforced surveillance on the highway and that the National Security Commission will maintain its presence in the area and continue its efforts to track down others responsible for the attacks, El Universal reports.
[rebelmouse-image 27087193 alt=”” original_size=”384×288″ expand=1]
Increased Police Presence in Michoacán (Wikimedia Commons)
